BoDeans
2006.06.08 Waterfest • Oshkosh, WI

Sam Llanas, Kurt Neumann, Bukka Allen, Eric Holden, Kenny Aronoff

Thursday June 8, 2006
Waterfest - Oshkosh, WI
Opener: Epic Hero, The Gufs (photos)

First off, for me, this line up was as good as it gets. As a big Gufs fan, I was esthetic when I heard they were scheduled with the BoDeans for a show so close to home. And to top it all off Epic Hero has become a band to frequent my iTunes rotation. Obviously, I was rocking from beginning to end. Singing along, dancing my butt off, snapping pictures, taking notes and acquiring setlists through out the entire evening.

It was so nice meeting up with everyone in the hotel before the show. Lots of food, drinks and just a plain ol' good time was had by all. And how fitting that there was one shoe left behind, half in the hallway, holding the door open for anyone (and any type of breeze) to come in.

We left for the venue later than we had planned and we payed for it, because we missed Runaway, Don't Be Lonely, Sweet Dreams and half of Little Red Corvette that were all played during the soundcheck. Oh well, I guess hearing half the soundcheck is better than not hearing any!

We took our spots just before 6, watched as they set up for the Gufs and Epic Hero. Found it a little funny to see John warming up Goran's guitar by playing a bit of Runaway. But before we knew it, Epic Hero was taking that stage warming us up for what turned into a rocking night from start to finish!

Somewhere in the middle of the Gufs set, the wind picked up like you would not believe and we couldn't help but be reminded of last year with the wind whipping across the stage and blowing the speakers hanging from the roof. Luckily not downpours this year though!

The guys took the stage looking great as alway, and sounding even better.Here's the setlist as played:
1. Say About Love - Wow, what a surprise! Love it though!
2. Good Work w/Batman - Way too much fun! Kurt mixed up the lyrics, going from verse one right to verse three. Guess he just didn't want to play six-string that night. :) At the very end Kurt mentioned the weather from last year and that the "skies are a bit clearer"...and that we " won't be hit by lightening tonight:" Thank goodness....that's not exactly the concert experience I was looking for. Although I must say last year's show is still one of the most memorable shows that I've ever seen.
3. Makes U - "Belissima!"
4.Don't Be Lonely - Sam sans guitar and walking all over the stage just absolutely enjoying himself. And what a treat to hear this live!
5. Angels - always a favorite of mine!
6.Texas Ride Song - ...there was a little jumping...just a little...just enough to forget to write the song down in my little red notebook, thats all. And of course who doesn't love a great "four way up front" view!
7. Me Again - We heard this in the soundcheck as well, and wow, Kurt's guitar is unbelievable. It adds so much depth to the song and really makes the song come to life with Sam's voice.
8. Still the Night - How can you not enjoy a fun sing-a-long on a beautiful summer evening!
9. Jenny Rae - Although this song has been changed up more times than I can count over the years, it still sounds fantastic every single time.
10. Stay On - always a treat!
11. Runaway - w/o Del Shannon Intro. At the very end Sam tripped over the rug and for a second I thought we were going to have a repeat of the Barrymore '03 incident! But he caught himself and all turned out well.
12. Fadeaway w/Bed's Too Big - Fabulous intro by Kurt. That man definitely has a way with that guitar!
13. Naked - With a "hold you" & "control" from his knees. But we made sure everyone heard it. :)
14. Closer to Free - and more four up front shots.
---encore---
15. Paradise - Kurt and Sam come back on stage alone with only Kurt on guitar and they proceed to completely blow us away with a breathtaking version of this song. If the rest of the show was great, this made it perfect.
16. You Don't Get Much - wow is all I can say about Kenny on this one. Just plain wow.
17. Good Things - Singing, dancing and jumping...definitely can't beat that combination!

There were lots of good things for us that night, and lots of good things in store for us in the coming days. I can't think of any better way to spend a beautiful (dry) summer evening than being surrounded by great friends and listening to great music.